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Christmas Tree Cupcakes with Chocolate & Vanilla Frosting Recipe

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  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 40 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 170 min
  • Yield: 12 Cupcakes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Description

These Christmas Tree Cupcakes feature a rich chocolate cupcake base topped with a smooth vanilla buttercream frosting. Decorated with green food coloring, chocolate stars, and festive sprinkles, these cupcakes make a delightful and visually appealing holiday treat perfect for Christmas celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

Cupcake Batter

  • 200 g unsalted butter
  • 200 g light brown soft sugar
  • 150 g self raising flour
  • 50 g cocoa powder
  • 4 medium eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Buttercream Frosting

  • 200 g unsalted butter (room temperature, not Stork)
  • 400 g icing sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp green food colouring

Decoration

  • Chocolate stars
  • Sprinkles
  • Icing sugar dusting


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter: In a bowl, cream 200 g unsalted butter with 200 g light brown soft sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add 4 medium eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  2. Sift and Fold Dry Ingredients: Sift together 150 g self-raising flour and 50 g cocoa powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  3. Fill the Cupcake Cases: Line a cupcake tray with 12 cases. Divide the batter evenly among the cases, filling each about two-thirds full.
  4. Bake the Cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
  5. Make the Buttercream Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat 200 g unsalted butter (room temperature) until creamy. Gradually add 400 g icing sugar, beating continuously until light and fluffy. Mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract. Add 1 tsp green food colouring and blend until the frosting is evenly tinted.
  6. Decorate the Cupcakes: Using a piping bag fitted with a star or round nozzle, pipe the green buttercream onto the cooled cupcakes in a cone shape to resemble Christmas trees. Decorate with chocolate stars at the top, sprinkles as tree decorations, and dust lightly with icing sugar for a snowy effect.

Notes

  • These cupcakes combine a moist chocolate base with a rich vanilla buttercream for a festive flavor contrast.
  • Green food coloring in the buttercream helps simulate the look of Christmas trees.
  • Chocolate stars and sprinkles add decorative texture and holiday charm.
  • Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
  • These cupcakes are perfect for holiday parties or as festive gifts.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 446 kcal
  • Sugar: 33 g
  • Sodium: 26 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 126 mg